Pierre Teilhard De Chardin on People and Planet

This volume offers a contribution to Teilhardian scholarship with a particular focus in mind, namely his significance in current debates about the human relationship with the natural world. His cosmic mysticism and intense interest in both cosmological and evolutionary sciences are highly relevant to current debates about how best to construct a meaningful spirituality for the twenty first century. Not only does this book probe more deeply into his mystical insights in ways that challenge the reader's understanding of spirituality, it also offers a critical revision of aspects of his thought in the light of current debates in evolutionary science, ecotheology and the challenges posed by environmental ethics.

Humanity's relationship to nature is central to the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, an influential priest and scientist of the twentieth century. Teilhard believed that spiritual development must be viewed alongside material development and that evolutionary theory lies at the heart of humanity's understanding of its place in the world. 'Pierre Teilhard de Chardin on People and Planet' argues that Teilhard's cosmic mysticism and intense interest in both cosmological and evolutionary sciences are highly relevant to current debates about how best to construct a meaningful spirituality. The book offers a critical revision of Teilhard's thought in the light of current debates in evolutionary science, eco-theology and environmental ethics. The essays present fresh interpretations of Teilhard's work and point to the significance of his thought in the contemporary study of science and religion.

Preface: Introduction to the VolumeCelia Deane-Drummond Part I: Teilhard and the Cosmos Part II: Telihard and Mysticism Part III: Teilhard and Ecotheology Part IV: Teilhard and Environmental Responsibility Part V: Teilhard between East and West

Celia Deane-Drummond